Field update of an ambulatory infusion pump system

ABSTRACT

Portable or ambulatory infusion devices and systems capable of remotely updating an ambulatory fluid delivery device include safety protocols that verify the status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device before and after a field update of software. Methods of accomplishing the same field update of software are also described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/898,781 filed Feb. 19, 2018, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/995,958 filed Jan. 14, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,491 issued Feb. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/838,084 filed Mar. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,043 issued Jan. 26, 2016, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the remote updating of information and data within portable medical devices, such as infusion devices and related systems, including methods of performing such updates. In some cases, the devices and systems may be used for infusing a medicament, including fluid medicaments such as insulin, into a patient.

BACKGROUND

As the number of patients who are treated with ambulatory medical devices increases, so does the need for a facile and reliable way to update and verify the operation of such systems. Examples of ambulatory medical devices include, e.g., cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, neurostimulators (for treatment of, e.g., Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy, and for pain management) and fluid infusion pumps, such as those for the treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes. In the case of non-implantable devices such as ambulatory infusion pumps, requesting that a patient send his or her pump to a servicing facility may leave the patient without the same level of care while the pump software, for example, is updated and may become costly when numerous pumps need to be updated. Likewise, sending a skilled service provider such as a field service representative (typically from the device manufacturer) to a user's location to update the software on a pump may be efficient when dealing with a convenient number of pumps in a relatively small location. However, as the number of ambulatory infusion pumps in the field increases, and their usage becomes more wide-spread, administering software updates through visits by a skilled service provider may become cumbersome, time-consuming and costly. Additionally, setting aside the time to meet with a skilled service provider may deter some patients from updating the software on their ambulatory infusion pump.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is an ambulatory fluid device that includes a user interface, a liquid drug repository, a pump, an electrical controller, a digital storage component, and a signal processing component. The user interface of the ambulatory fluid delivery device is one which a user operates to input directions and data that determine the dosing of a medicament to a patient. The liquid drug repository contains the medicament. The pump is fluidly connected to the liquid drug repository and configured to prevent accidental release of the medicament from the drug repository, and the electrical controller is configured to direct the pump to release the medicament according to a dosing profile and additional instructions from the user interface. The digital storage component is operably connected to the electrical controller and is configured to store, for example, data regarding the administered doses, device history logs of the fluid delivery device, the operating system of the fluid delivery device, user profile information and identifying information regarding the fluid delivery device and safety protocols for the fluid delivery device. The signal processing component sends and receives electrical data to and from the controller. The fluid delivery device can be configured to receive software updates sent from a qualified source, verify the appropriateness of the software updates for the fluid delivery device based upon the identifying information and device history logs, automatically install the software updates, update the device history logs and perform tests conforming to the safety protocols after installation of the software.

In various embodiments, the software updates may be received after the user requests the software update or may be automatically received by the ambulatory fluid delivery device. The software updates may be only installed after verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is in a safe condition for update. In some such embodiments, the safe condition for update may include not currently administering the medicament, not being attached to the patient, the liquid drug repository not being in fluid communication with the patient, not containing any medicament, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ambulatory fluid delivery device may further include an alarm system that indicates at least one of the start and the finish of the software update installation. In various embodiments, the signal processing component may include a wireless connection means for sending in receiving digital signals, a physical port for connecting cables to a computer or other device, or both a wireless connection means and a physical port. The ambulatory fluid delivery device can be configured to display interactive verification tests on the user interface prior to installing the software updates. In such devices, the verification tests can include tests to verify proximity to a source of the software updates, the willingness of the user to initiate the software updates, or both.

In a related aspect, a system for safely administering a medication to a patient that includes the ambulatory fluid delivery device described above and a central computing system is provided. The central computing system can exchange data, instructions, or both data and instructions, with the ambulatory fluid delivery device.

In various embodiments, the central computing system may exchange data that includes the device history logs of the ambulatory fluid delivery device, a patient basal medication dosage profile, patient information, or any combination thereof. The central computing system may verify the condition of the ambulatory fluid delivery device prior to sending software updates. In such embodiments, verifying the condition of the ambulatory fluid delivery device may include examining the device history logs for irregular device performance, retrieving the current status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device to ensure that it is in a safe configuration for update, verifying the amount of digital memory and other computing hardware parameters are suitable for the software updates, confirming that the software updates and existing software currently operating on the ambulatory fluid delivery device are compatible, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments the system can further include a remote controller that communicates between the ambulatory fluid delivery device and the central computing system, a sensor system that communicates with the ambulatory fluid delivery device, the central computing system, or both the ambulatory fluid delivery device and the central computing system, an intermediate computing device that communicates between the ambulatory fluid delivery device and the central computing system, or any combination thereof. In such embodiments, the remote controller may include a dedicated hand-held remote controlling device, a second ambulatory fluid delivery device, a portable computing device that is configured to communicate wirelessly with the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or any combination thereof.

In embodiments of the system that include a sensor system, the sensor system may include a continuous glucose monitoring system, a patient temperature monitoring system, a blood oxygen saturation monitoring system, a heart rate monitoring system, a blood pressure monitoring system, a patient activity monitoring system or any combination thereof. In embodiments of the system that include the intermediate computing device, the intermediate computing device may include a hand-held computing device, comprising a tablet, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, or any combination thereof, a desktop computer or a laptop computer. In various embodiments, the intermediate computing device can be a computing device configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device through a wireless connection and with the central computing system through the internet via a wired connection, a computing device configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device through a wireless connection and with the central computing system through a wireless connection comprising Wi-Fi, a cellular phone signal, or both, a computing device configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device and with the central computing system both via a wired connection, a computing device configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device through a wired connection and with the central computing system through the internet via a wireless connection comprising Wi-Fi, a mobile phone signal, or both, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, a method for remotely updating software on an ambulatory fluid deliver device is presented. The method can include interrogating the ambulatory fluid delivery device and obtaining data comprising a device history log from a central computing system. The method can also include the central computer system verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device has not exhibited unusual performance within a certain time period, verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is compatible with a software update, verifying that a user of the ambulatory fluid delivery device wishes to update software on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the method can include sending the software update from the central computing system to the ambulatory fluid delivery device, confirming that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is in a safe condition for update, confirming that existing data on the ambulatory fluid delivery device is duplicated, performing the software update on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device in is a safe condition for performance testing and that it performs as intended after the software update, and confirming that the duplicated, existing data on the ambulatory fluid delivery device is appropriately present on the ambulatory fluid delivery device.

In various embodiments, the method may further include prompting the user to configure the ambulatory fluid delivery device for regular operation. In such methods, regular operation may include the administration of one or more medications to a patient. A safe condition for update may include not currently administering a medicament, not being attached to a patient, a liquid drug repository not being in fluid communication with the patient, not containing any medicament, or any combination thereof. A safe condition for performance testing may include not currently administering a medicament, not being attached to a patient, a liquid drug repository not being in fluid communication with the patient, not containing any medicament, or any combination thereof.

In such embodiments, verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device performs as intended may include verifying the ability to dispense one or more medicaments, verifying the ability to update a device history log, verifying the ability of the ambulatory fluid delivery device to accept sensor data to influence medicament dosing, verifying the ability of the ambulatory fluid delivery device to repeatedly and safely perform dispensing actions or any combination thereof. Verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device has not exhibited unusual performance within a certain time period may include verifying the absence of error messages in the device history logs, examining the device history logs for unusual trends in deviation of actual dosage from intended dosage, or both. In some embodiments, verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is compatible with a software update may include verifying the memory capacity of the ambulatory fluid delivery device, confirming that the model of the ambulatory fluid delivery device is compatible with the software update, or both. In some embodiments of the method, verifying that a user of the ambulatory fluid delivery device wishes to update software on the ambulatory fluid delivery device may include presenting the user with a message and accepting user input via a user interface on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, presenting the user with a message via a remote control and accepting user input via the remote control or via a user interface on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, presenting the user with a message via an external computing device and accepting user input via the external computing device or via a user interface on the ambulatory fluid delivery device; or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a method for remotely providing a software update for an ambulatory fluid delivery device is presented. The method can include interrogating the ambulatory fluid delivery device and obtaining data comprising a device history logs from a central computer system. The method can also include verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device has not exhibited unusual performance within a certain time period, verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is compatible with a software update, verifying that a user of the ambulatory fluid delivery device wishes to update software on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the method can include sending the software update from the central computing system to the ambulatory fluid delivery device, confirming that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is in a safe condition for update, confirming that existing data on the ambulatory fluid delivery device is duplicated, receiving confirmation on the central computing system that the software update has occurred on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, receiving information verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device in is a safe condition for performance testing and that it performs as intended after the software update and receiving confirmation on the central computing system that the duplicated, existing data on the ambulatory delivery device is appropriately present on the ambulatory fluid delivery device.

Some embodiments include a method for remotely performing a software update on an ambulatory fluid delivery device. This method can include, in response to an interrogation from a central computing system, sending data comprising device history logs to the central computing system. The method can also include receiving confirmation from the central computing system that the ambulatory fluid delivery device has not exhibited unusual performance within a certain time period, that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is compatible with the software update, that a user of the ambulatory fluid delivery device wishes to update software on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the method can include receiving the software update from the central computing system on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, confirming that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is in a safe condition for update via user input, sending existing data on the ambulatory fluid delivery device to the central computing system for duplication, sending confirmation from the ambulatory fluid delivery device that the software update has occurred on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, sending information from the ambulatory fluid delivery device verifying that the ambulatory fluid delivery device in is a safe condition for performance testing and that it performs as intended after the software update, and sending confirmation to the central computing system that the duplicated, existing data on the ambulatory fluid delivery device is appropriately present on the ambulatory fluid delivery device after the software update. Certain embodiments are described further in the following description, examples, claims and drawings. These features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary system for safely performing software updates on an ambulatory fluid delivery device such as an ambulatory infusion pump.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of an exemplary sensor system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an interior of an exemplary ambulatory fluid delivery device such as an infusion pump.

The drawings illustrate embodiments of the technology and are not limiting. For clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings may not be made to scale and, in some instances, various aspects may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of particular embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods are described for updating an ambulatory medical device, including a portable fluid delivery device such as an infusion pump. The methods include, e.g., verification of the status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device or pump before and after the software update to decrease the likelihood of any unwanted or unintentional delivery of medicament or other errors of malfunctions.

Software Update System for an Ambulatory Medical Device

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an exemplary system embodiment 200 for safely performing software updates on an ambulatory fluid delivery device, or pump 210. The system 200 includes an ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 that can administer medicament to a patient 205. The system 200 further includes a sensor system 230 coupled to the patient 205. The sensor system 230 may or may not be part of the ambulatory fluid delivery device or pump 210, and may provide data to the pump 210, or to a central computing system 220 independently, or both.

The fluid delivery device 210 and/or the sensor system 230 can be configured to communicate directly or indirectly (such as via an intermediary computing device 240) with a central computing system 220 that is accessible by a caregiver 260, such as a physician, nurse, etc. The caregiver 260 can access patient data from the central computing system 220, the patient data being obtained from the fluid delivery device 210. In some cases, the caregiver 260 may react to the patient data by interacting directly with the patient 200.

Examples of the types of software updates that may be performed include updates to the fluid delivery device's operating system, the firm ware, the communications protocols, the data encryption algorithms, the user interface, the device log, the device history record, and the like. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “software updates” may also include installation of the new software on the fluid delivery device and the removal of software from the fluid delivery device.

Software updates may be initiated by a user, such as a caregiver or a patient, by the fluid delivery device manufacturer or its representative, by the central computing system, or any combination thereof. The caregiver 260, if, e.g., properly prompted by the manufacturer of the pump 210, for instance, may cause the central computing system to provide software updates to the fluid delivery device 210 and/or provide care instructions to the fluid delivery device 210. Also, another entity, such as a manufacturer, authorized repair organization, distributor, or the like, may direct the central computing system 220 to provide software updates to the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210, either automatically as needed or upon prompting a user. Software updates may also be initiated automatically when the fluid delivery device 210 connects to an intermediary computing device 240 that is, in turn, connected to the central computing system 220. When an action, such as connecting the fluid delivery device 210 to an intermediary computing device 240, or an entity other than the patient initiates a software update, the fluid delivery device 210 may require input from the patient or a user before fully executing the software update.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sensor system 230, which may include a patient status sensor 232, such as a glucose monitor. The sensor system 230 may also include components that permit the sensor system to communicate with the central computing system 220, such as a patient sensor receiver 234, and a sensor system server 236. Systems that may be part of the sensor systems 230 include, for example, a continuous glucose monitoring system; a patient temperature monitoring system; a blood oxygen saturation monitoring system; a heart rate monitoring system; a blood pressure monitoring system; a patient activity monitoring system; and the like. In addition to sensor systems related to the status of a patient, sensor systems that indicate the status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device may be present. Such sensors may indicate, for example, whether a medicament-containing cartridge is inserted into the ambulatory fluid delivery device, whether infusion lines are connected to a patient, the amount of medicament within the ambulatory fluid delivery device, the operational status of the systems and/or subsystems of the fluid delivery device, including but not limited to the hardware and/or software thereof, and the like.

The fluid delivery device 210 and sensor system 230 are configured to exchange the patient data with one another and with the central computing system 220. The type of patient data may vary and may include patient status data, such as glucose levels, heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, activity level; as well as delivered medicament data; insulin on board; and personal data (appropriately de-identified for privacy requirements, as necessary) such as patient name, sex, age, weight, and the like. The data exchange can occur directly between the fluid delivery device 210 and the computing system 220 or can occur between the sensor system 230 and the computing system 220. The patient data can be used to confirm that any contact between the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 and the central computing system 220 is appropriate and that a software update from the central computing system to the fluid delivery device may be completed safely, as described further below.

Communication between the components of the system 200 may vary and may include wireless or wired connections and may occur over the Internet. Wireless communication may include any suitable wireless system, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio frequency, Zigbee communication protocols, infrared or other optical systems, mobile phone systems, and the like. Wired connections can include telephone line connections, RS22 connection, standard USB and micro-USB connections, firewire connections, proprietary connections, or any other suitable type of wired connection.

Additionally, communication between and/or among the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210, sensor system 230 and central computing system 220 may be direct or it may be through another device, such as a remote controller or an intermediary computing device 240. A remote controller may include a dedicated hand-held remote controlling device, a second ambulatory fluid delivery device, a portable computing device that is configured to communicate wirelessly with the ambulatory fluid delivery device, monitors such as blood glucose monitors (including continuous blood glucose monitors), other suitable devices that allow a user to send instructions to the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or any combination thereof.

The intermediary computing device 240 may include, for example: a hand-held computing device, such as a tablet, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and the like. The intermediary computing device may be configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 through a wireless connection (including optical) and with the central computing system 220 through the internet via a wired connection. Alternatively, the intermediary computing device 240 may be configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 through a wireless connection and with the central computing system 220 through a wireless connection comprising Wi-Fi, a mobile phone signal, or both. In other instances, the intermediary computing device 240 may be configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 and with the central computing system 220 both through via a wired connection, or the intermediary computing device may 240 be configured to exchange data with the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 through a wired connection and with the central computing system 220 through the internet or other network via a wireless connection comprising Wi-Fi, a mobile phone signal, or both. The inclusion of another device may allow for a smaller ambulatory fluid delivery device or for the inclusion of another device in the system, such as a sensor system.

The software update may include updates to the operating system, the firm ware, the communications protocols, the data encryption algorithms, the user interface, the device history logs, the device history record, and the like, of the fluid delivery device, as mentioned above. The software update may affect the power usage of the fluid delivery device. Additionally, the software update may improve the communications between the fluid delivery device and any of: the central computing system, sensory systems, intermediary computing device, and the patient. Improvement of communications may include establishing more secure signal pathways, creating quicker signal exchanges, or making messages more concise and understandable by the patient. Software updates may also coincide with hardware updates to the fluid delivery device, including changes to a disposable component of the fluid delivery device, such as a fluid-containing cartridge.

Verification of Ambulatory Fluid Delivery Device Status and Performance

Before and/or after a software update from the central computing system 220 to the fluid delivery device 210 is performed, at least a portion of the system 200 verifies the status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 such as to verify that the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 is in a proper operational state such that the pump will not harm the patient or otherwise malfunction or present problems as a result of a software update. A proper operational state may include one in which the device history logs indicate that the fluid delivery device 210 has not had deviations from expected performance, such as from expected dosage rates, for a threshold amount of time. It may be that the expected performance may be required to be maintained for the past week, the past month, or the past several months to be considered a proper operational state. The proper operational state may also include a requisite level of charge to be present in a battery or power level to be available from a power source. Free, unobstructed movement of parts of the fluid delivery device may also be required in order for the proper operational state to exist, and certain levels of performance may also be required from the memory, user interface, communications components, sensory systems, and the like in order for the fluid delivery device to be in the proper operational state.

The ambulatory fluid delivery 210 device participates in verification by sending patient data to the central computing system 220. The patient data helps to determine the suitability of the software update for the fluid delivery device 210 and may include, for example, the device history logs of the fluid delivery device, data regarding the administered doses, the operating system of ambulatory fluid delivery device, user profile information, and any other data that may be used determine whether the ambulatory fluid delivery device is suitable for the proposed software update.

The central computing system sends requests for data both before and after the software update, as well as sending the software update, when the system determines that the software update is compatible with the intended ambulatory fluid delivery device. Both the central computing system 220 and the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210 can verify that communication regarding the software update is occurring with a qualified source before transmitting the verification information described above. To verify that communication is occurring with a qualified source, the central computing system 220 can verify, for example, the serial number or model of the intended ambulatory fluid delivery device. On the ambulatory fluid delivery device end, a password or certificate may be transmitted to aid in verifying the communication source. Other secure processing protocols and/or hardware/firmware/software may be utilized, including encrypted communication protocols, secure processors, etc., as are known in the art may be used as desired between and among the various components and entities described herein.

The software update protocol can trigger, for example, the ambulatory fluid delivery device to confirm with a user that the connection between the patient and the fluid delivery device is in a safe condition with respect to the patient. A “safe condition” may be, for example, that the patient cannot accidentally receive unintentional amounts of medicament. Such conditions may include those when the ambulatory fluid delivery system is not currently administering the medicament, not attached to the patient, when the cartridge is not located within the ambulatory fluid delivery device, when the liquid drug repository not in fluid communication with the patient, when the ambulatory fluid delivery device does not contain any medicament, or any combination thereof. When in the safe condition, the fluid delivery device may display a message to have alternative materials for delivery of the fluid normally delivered by the fluid delivery device on hand for the patient. The fluid delivery device may also display messages for verification of a battery level or a constant power supply prior to proceeding with the software update, as well as warning to disconnect the fluid delivery device from the body of the patient.

A safe condition may be verified in many ways. The ambulatory fluid delivery device may have sensors to verify that a safe condition exists. The ambulatory fluid delivery device may send an inquiry message to a user, such as by presenting a message on the graphical user interface, reciting an audio message, sending a message to an external device, or the like, to confirm that the fluid delivery device is in a safe condition. The ambulatory fluid delivery device may remind the user to maintain the safe condition until after test conforming to the safety protocols have been successfully performed after the installation of the software update. The fluid delivery device may require that a user confirm that the software update should proceed by requiring input from the user that includes the providing a number that is visible on the fluid delivery device only after a portion of the device is disengaged, for example, when a medicament containing cartridge is removed. The number may be a static number, or it may be a dynamic number that is synchronized with a number generator that is also available to the central computing system.

The tests conforming to the safety protocols may vary depending on the device and the nature of the software update. There may be some tests that are always performed by the ambulatory fluid delivery device, such as those tests that are performed after initial construction of the fluid delivery device and upon powering on of the ambulatory fluid delivery device. These self-tests may include those which confirm the software and hardware configuration of the fluid delivery device, confirm that any previously loaded configurations, settings, or other data were not unintentionally deleted, and that confirm that the fluid delivery device performs according to factory initialized, or reset, settings. The self-tests may reset certain values, such as insulin on board (IOB).

Communications between a fluid delivery device and a central computing system may include accessing data through a request sent from the fluid delivery device to the central computing system. Alternatively, communications may include data transfer over a computer network from the fluid delivery device to the central computing system via an uploader application executing at a host device, such as an intermediary computing device, such that the uploader application may authenticate the fluid delivery device, extracts a data log (e.g. device history record) from the authenticated fluid delivery device, and uploads the extracted data log to the central computing system. Additionally, access to data on the central computing system may be controlled such that access is automatically terminated such that an unattended, but previously authorized device, cannot be used to gain access. Such authenticated interactions may be helpful in maintaining the safety and privacy of patients.

More particulars regarding systems for communication between exemplary fluid delivery devices and systems that include a central server (i.e., a network data manager), including those which utilize an intermediary computing device may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/564,188, titled, “Therapy Management System,” filed Aug. 1, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Following the installation of software on the ambulatory fluid delivery device 210, the fluid delivery device 210 will conduct tests to verify the data contained on the ambulatory fluid delivery device, as well tests to confirm that the ambulatory fluid delivery device performs according to safety protocols that help to ensure the safety of the patient using the device. Data from the ambulatory fluid delivery device may be redundantly stored, or backed-up, by the central computing system prior to the installation of a software update on the ambulatory fluid delivery device. Such backed-up data may include device history logs; the device history record; user profiles, including basal rate profiles; user information, such as, but not limited to, name, age, sex, location, and care giver information; and the like. After a software update installation finishes on an ambulatory fluid delivery device 210, the fluid delivery device 210 may send the data back to the central computing system for comparison to the backed-up data. This process may assure patients that basal rate profiles and other dosing instructions, as well as other important information, will not be unexpectedly affected by a software update.

An exemplary method of performing software updates on an ambulatory fluid delivery device while the device is in the field includes verification of the ambulatory fluid delivery device status and performance, both before and after a software update occurs. The ambulatory fluid delivery device will be confirmed to be in a safe configuration and will have a performance record that indicates the fluid delivery device is in proper working order before the software update occurs. After the software update occurs, the ambulatory fluid delivery device will be tested and proven to be in working order before being returned to service, dispensing medicament to a patient.

In an exemplary method, a central computing server and an ambulatory fluid delivery device exchange information (such as over the Internet or other computer network) to confirm that a communication interaction is appropriate before taking further action. This may include a confirmation that a secure communication connection is accessible between the two components.

Once it is confirmed that the central computing server and the ambulatory fluid delivery device have an allowable connection, the central computing server verifies that the ambulatory fluid delivery device can appropriately accept a proposed software update and that the ambulatory fluid delivery device is in a safe condition. As discussed above, any of a variety of conditions can be used as criteria for the existence of a safe condition.

The central computing server then sends the software update to the ambulatory fluid delivery device. This can occur, for example, over a network such as the Internet. The ambulatory fluid delivery device, in turn, receives and installs the software update. Prior to installing the software, the ambulatory fluid delivery device may again verify that a safe condition exists.

Upon completion of the software update installation, the ambulatory fluid delivery device performs one or more tests to confirm that it is in proper operating condition. A user, such as a patient or care giver, then places the properly functioning ambulatory fluid delivery device back into service, by, for example, attaching infusion lines to the patient, adding medicament to the ambulatory fluid delivery device, or installing a medicament containing cartridge.

Example Ambulatory Fluid Delivery Device

An example of an ambulatory fluid delivery or pump device is now described. It should be appreciated that the following description is an example and the actual configuration of the ambulatory fluid delivery or pump can vary. A detailed description of exemplary devices can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,495, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Further examples of such pumps and various features that can be associated with such pumps include those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/557,163, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/714,299, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/538,018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/655,883 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/656,967, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an open housing 124 of an ambulatory fluid delivery device 114, such as a pump device. The exemplary ambulatory fluid delivery device 114 has within the housing 124 an area into which a cartridge 112 fits. The cartridge 112 has a substantially rigid container 130 that encloses a collapsible reservoir 126. The collapsible reservoir 126 is made of a flexible material or membrane 128 and that defines an interior volume 140. The cartridge 112 also includes a delivery mechanism 132, a fill port 134 with a re-sealable septum 136 sealed over the fill port 134, a reservoir inlet port 138 in fluid communication with the interior volume 140 of the collapsible reservoir 126, a fluid dispense port 142 in fluid communication with a bore 144 of the delivery mechanism 132, and a vent inlet port 146 and a vent outlet port 148, both in fluid communication with the bore 144. The collapsible reservoir 126 may have a bag-like structure with flexible walls that can collapse and expand depending upon the amount of material in the volume of the reservoir. The interior volume of the reservoir may be in fluid isolation from the remaining interior volume of the rigid container 130.

The cartridge 112 may be secured to the housing 124 of the ambulatory fluid delivery device 114 in releasable and operable manner. The housing 124 may be configured to house a drive mechanism 150 including a motor 152 and gear box 154 disposed in the housing 124. The drive mechanism 150 may be detachably and operatively coupled to the spool 156 member of the delivery mechanism 132. At least one pressure sensor may be disposed in a volume between an outside surface of the flexible material or membrane 128 of the collapsible reservoir 126 and an inside surface of the substantially rigid shell or case 130.

A graphic user interface (GUI) may be operatively coupled to a controller 168, which may include at least one processor 170, a memory device 172 and connective circuitry or other data conduits that couple the data generating or data managing components of the device. A power storage cell in the form of a battery 174 that may be rechargeable may also be disposed within the housing 124. Data generating or managing components of the device may include the processor(s) 170, the memory device 172, sensors, including any pressure or temperature sensors, the GUI and the like.

Other components such as the vibratory motor 175, speaker, battery 174 and motor 152 of the drive mechanism 150 may also be operatively coupled to the controller 168. Connective circuitry may include conductive wiring such as copper wiring, fiber optic conduits, RF conduits and the like. The controller 168 may include at least one processor 170 and a memory device 172, the controller 168 being operatively coupled to the drive mechanism 150, a GUI, and at least one pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to generate a signal to the drive mechanism 150 to displace the spool of the delivery mechanism 132 when dispensing medicament from the ambulatory fluid delivery device. The controller may also be configured to send and receive data to and from a central computing system.

Safe configurations in this exemplary ambulatory fluid delivery device 114 include ones in which the cartridge 112 is removed from the fluid delivery device 114, the reservoir 126 is empty, the fluid dispense port 142 is disconnected from any lines or tubing connected to an infusion site on a patient, and the like.

Some embodiments of an infusion system may include a portable infusion device, as described above and a remote commander device. In such an instance, the portable infusion device may include a suitably configured receiver and/or transmitter for communication with an external device such as a remote commander, as well as programming for directing the use of the device; and the remote commander may additionally include a suitably configured receiver and/or transmitter for communication with an external device such as a portable infusion device, as well as programming for directing the use of the device. For instance, the remote commander may include one or more of the functionalities described herein above with respect to the portable infusion device.

For example, the remote commander may include a processor, a memory, a transmitter and/or receiver, an input mechanism, an output mechanism, e.g., a display, a clock, a timer, an alarm, an estimator, and the like. Hence, in certain embodiments, the portable infusion device may include a transmitter that receives commands, e.g., infusion commands, from the processor and transmits the commands (e.g., to a remote commander or vice-versa). Similarly, the remote commander may include a transmitter that receives commands, e.g., infusion commands, from its processor and transmits the commands (e.g., to a portable infusion device or vice-versa). In such an instance, the portable infusion device and/or remote commander may also include a receiver that receives commands, such as remotely/wirelessly generated commands, and communicates the commands to the processor. Accordingly, the remote commander may include the appropriate hardware and software necessary for producing these functionalities in the remote commander, such as that described above with respect to the portable infusion device. The portable infusion device itself or the remote commander may also include programming that includes an initiating command request, whereby the user has to interact with the device, such as by tapping a screen, e.g., on a display of the portable infusion device or remote commander, so as to accept an infusion recommendation before the remote commander signals the portable infusion device and/or before the portable infusion device accepts the command and begins infusion of the fluid.

Some embodiments of the portable infusion device may also include multiple other capabilities in addition to delivering one or more medicaments (i.e., insulin). For example, the portable infusion device may be capable of interacting with a personal computer (PC) for uploading and downloading data, various file types (e.g., JPEG. PDF) and programs. The portable infusion device may also access and send information wirelessly to a PC or other electronic device (e.g., printer, memory storage device). These functions, for example, may be particularly beneficial to a user for sending and receiving information to a physician, or uploading new or upgrading current programs onto the portable infusion device. Furthermore, the portable infusion device may have instructions, or accessible by the user and/or processor for converting information on the device into various file formats. e.g., portable document format (PDF), word processing documents. JPEG, etc., which may be distributed and shared among various electronic devices. The GUI of the portable infusion device assists in improving the usability of at least these capabilities. In addition, some GUI embodiments may be available to a user by downloading a software application onto the user's cell phone and/or PDA, which would allow the user to use their cell phone or PDA as a remote commander to the portable infusion device.

With regard to the above detailed description, like reference numerals used therein may refer to like elements that may have the same or similar dimensions, materials and configurations. While particular forms of embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the forgoing detailed description.

The entirety of each patent, patent application, publication and document referenced herein is hereby incorporated by reference. Citation of the above patents, patent applications, publications and documents is not an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any admission as to the contents or date of these documents.

Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the basic aspects of the technology. Although the technology may have been described in substantial detail with reference to one or more specific embodiments, changes may be made to the embodiments specifically disclosed in this application, yet these modifications and improvements are within the scope and spirit of the technology. The technology illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and use of such terms and expressions do not exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technology claimed. The term “a” or “an” may refer to one of or a plurality of the elements it modifies (e.g., “a reagent” can mean one or more reagents) unless it is contextually clear either one of the elements or more than one of the elements is described. Although the present technology has been specifically disclosed by representative embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be made, and such modifications and variations may be considered within the scope of this technology. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method performed by software executable instructions on a hardware processor for remotely updating software on a remote control device configured to remotely control operations of an ambulatory infusion pump, comprising: receiving, at a central computing system, a request from the remote control device configured to remotely control operations of the ambulatory infusion pump for a software update; determining that the software update is available for the remote control device; confirming an active wireless connection between the central computing system and the remote control device; automatically wirelessly transmitting the software update from the central computing system to the remote control device when the software update is available; verifying that a safe condition for the software update exists; verifying that a user wishes to proceed with the software update transmitted to the remote control device; installing the software update on the remote control device if a safe condition for the software update exists and the user verifies that the user wishes to proceed with the software update; and notifying the user on the remote control device that the software update is occurring.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a portable computing device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the remote control device is a cell phone.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote control device is a dedicated handheld remote control.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying that a safe condition for the software update exists includes transmitting a verification of a safe condition from the remote control device to the central computing system.
 6. The method of claim 1, where a safe condition for the software update comprises one or more of: the ambulatory infusion pump not currently administering a medicament, the ambulatory infusion pump not being attached to a patient, and a medicament reservoir of the ambulatory infusion pump not being in fluid communication with the patient.
 7. The method of claim 1, where a safe condition for the software update comprises the ambulatory infusion pump not being able to accidentally deliver unintentional amounts of the medicament to the patient.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying a safe condition exists for operation of the ambulatory infusion pump by the remote control device after the software update comprising one or more of: verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to dispense one or more medicaments; verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to update a device history log; and verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to accept sensor data to influence medicament dosing.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying, at the central computer system, an absence of error messages relating to operation of the ambulatory infusion pump.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying that a user wishes to proceed with the software update includes receiving from the remote control device an indication of user input accepting a message pertaining to the software update.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying compatibility of the remote control device with a software update including verifying a memory capacity of the remote control device and verifying that a device model of the remote control device is compatible with the software update.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying that the pump performs as intended after the software update.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising verifying that a battery of the remote control device has a requisite level of charge prior to installing the software update.
 14. A method for remotely updating software on a remote control device configured to remotely control operations of an ambulatory infusion pump, comprising: transmitting a request for a software update to a central computer system; automatically wirelessly receiving the software update from the central computer system when the software update is available; verifying that a safe condition for the software update exists; verifying that a user wishes to proceed with the software update; installing the software update on the remote control device configured to remotely control operations of the ambulatory infusion pump if a safe condition for the software update exists and the user verifies that the user wishes to proceed with the software update; and notifying the user on the remote control device that the software update is occurring; and transmitting information for verifying that a safe condition exists for operation of the ambulatory infusion pump by the remote control device after the software update.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the remote control device is a portable computing device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the remote control device is a cell phone.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the remote control device is a dedicated handheld remote control.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein verifying that a safe condition for the software update exists includes transmitting the information from the remote control device to the central computer system.
 19. The method of claim 14, where a safe condition for the software update comprises one or more of: the ambulatory infusion pump not currently administering a medicament, the ambulatory infusion pump not being attached to a patient, and a medicament reservoir of the ambulatory infusion pump not being in fluid communication with the patient.
 20. The method of claim 14, where a safe condition for the software update comprises the ambulatory infusion pump not being able to accidentally deliver unintentional amounts of the medicament to the patient.
 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting information for verifying a safe condition exists for operation of the ambulatory infusion pump by the remote control device after the software update comprising transmitting information relating to one or more of: verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to dispense one or more medicaments; verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to update a device history log; and verifying an ability of the ambulatory infusion pump to accept sensor data to influence medicament dosing.
 22. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting information to the central computer system for verifying an absence of error messages relating to operation of the ambulatory infusion pump.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein verifying that a user wishes to proceed with the software update includes receiving user input accepting a message pertaining to the software update at the remote control device.
 24. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting information for verifying compatibility of the remote control device with a software update to the central computer system including transmitting information for verifying a memory capacity of the remote control device and transmitting information for verification of a device model of the remote control device.
 25. The method of claim 14, further comprising verifying that the pump performs as intended after the software update.
 26. The method of claim 14, further comprising verifying that a battery of the remote control device has a requisite level of charge prior to installing the software update. 